Driessen Beach Park Hilton Head
Driessen Beach Park Hilton Head is one of the favorite public beaches on the island and is a must-visit destination for beach-goers. Situated closer to the North side of the Atlantic Coast side of Hilton Head, Driessen Park has all the amenities needed for a fun-filled day by the sea. Driessen Park has something for everyone, from picnic pavilions to restrooms and a playground. Though parking is not free, plenty of reasonably priced metered parking is available. Take a look at what you have available at this great public park in Hilton Head:
- Metered/Permit Parking
- Wooden Boardwalk to the Beach with Accessible Mat over the Dunes
- Bradley Beach
- Picnic Tables & Grilling Stations
- Restroom facilities
- Outdoor Showers and more amenities
- Playground for the kids
- Clean-up Bucket Program
- Borrow a Toy Bin Program
- Some History on Driessen Beach Park
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Map of Driessen Beach Park
Driessen Beach Park Information:
Parking
There is plenty of metered parking at Driessen Beach Park. Although parking is not free, it is fairly inexpensive to park your vehicle and spend the day or a few hours at the beach.
Each parking space is numbered, and you will pay for your parking at the covered building by coin or credit card. Hilton Head Islanders can park and use their parking pass (if they have purchased this for the year).
Wooden Boardwalk to the Beach
Driessen Beach Park boasts a scenic wooden boardwalk that spans over 1,000 feet from the main building at the parking lot to Bradley Beach. As you stroll down the path, you will be surrounded by lush overhanging trees and marshland, creating a peaceful environment. The wooden planks beneath your feet add a rustic appeal to the experience and make for a delightful walk. The boardwalk features gentle ramps at the end. These ramps make it accessible for wheelchair users to transfer onto the beach. In addition, a long beach mat extends over the soft sand of the dunes, allowing for easier walking or wheelchair motion to Bradley Beach.
For anyone who loves birdwatching or nature, the marshland along the walking path provides an excellent opportunity to spot some of Driessen Beach Park’s local bird species. So keep a close eye out and your camera ready as you might run across egrets and herons. And if you’re fortunate, you may even see some dolphins that swim in the ocean as you play on the sandy beach.
As you make your way down the wooden boardwalk, you can’t help but feel like you’re on a journey to uncover what lies past the trees and marshland. And when you finally reach the end and step onto the sandy beach, the spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean will inspire you.
While the boardwalk is perfect for a leisurely walk, bike riders are kindly asked not to ride their bikes on the wooden path to protect pedestrians. However, walking your bike on the boardwalk is allowed if you wish to ride your bike on Bradley Beach. It is important to note that rollerblades and skateboards are not permitted on the wooden boardwalk to the beach from Driessen Beach Park in Hilton Head.
Bradley Beach
Once you get to the end of the raised wooden path from Driessen Beach Park, and walk on the mat that covers the powder-white sand of the dunes, you enter Bradley Beach. Bradley Beach in Hilton Head is a gorgeous stretch of coastline on the Atlantic side of Hilton Head. The views here are breathtaking, with miles of pristine beach stretching out in either direction.
Next door to Driessen Beach Park is the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort . With such a big resort next door, there are Lifeguards seasonally on the beach. During the high season, you will also find amenities such as Beach Chairs and Umbrellas for rent.
Playground
The playground at Driessen Beach Park is a popular spot for families with young children. The playground is in a great location, right at the start of the wooden walking path, near picnic tables and pavilions. Kids can play on the playground while parents are preparing food for lunch. The play area for kids features a variety of equipment, including swings, slides, and climbing structures. The swings are perfect for little ones, and the climbing areas excite older children.
Parents can relax on nearby benches while watching their children play or join in on the fun and make memories that will last a lifetime. When the kids are done playing, take them on a walk along the wooden path and continue the fun at Bradley Beach.
Picnic Tables and Grills
The perfect beach day starts with a family picnic, and Driessen Beach Park has you covered. Multiple picnic tables are scattered under the shade of covered pavilions, providing a comfortable and relaxing spot to enjoy a delicious lunch with family and friends. The aroma of sizzling burgers and hot dogs on the outdoor grilling stations will have your mouth watering in no time.
As you indulge in your meal, take in the breathtaking views of the lush landscape surrounding you. Driessen Beach Park’s picnic area is perfect for creating unforgettable memories. So pack your cooler, gather your favorite snacks, and head to the beach for a day of fun in the sun.
Restrooms at Driessen Beach Park
Considering functional amenities when visiting a beach is important, especially when you’re only there briefly. That’s why Driessen Beach Park in Hilton Head is an excellent option, as it offers public bathrooms and changing areas that are easily accessible.
Located in the building where you pay by plate, and just before heading onto the raised wooden path to the beach, you’ll find restrooms for men and women. So, whether you’re spending the day with family or friends or need a quick stop before hitting the sand, you can feel comfortable knowing that Driessen Beach Park has what you need to get through your day.
Outdoor Showers and other Amenities
Additional amenities are just outside this main building to enhance your beach experience. If you want to rinse off after a day in the sand and saltwater, outdoor showers are available to help you clean up. You will also find a hose to rinse off carts and other items you brought.
For those who want to take a break from the sun, there are benches where you can rest and wait for your family. Finally, if you need a refreshing drink, there’s a vending machine stocked with your favorite beverages and a water fountain, with a water bottle fill station, for those who want to hydrate with a quick sip. These convenient amenities make a day at Driessen Beach Park on Hilton Head Island even more enjoyable.
Amazing Beaches on Hilton Head Island
If you plan a trip to Bradley Beach (Located at the end of the path from Driessen Beach Park) in Hilton Head, you will probably see something unique and thoughtful as you stroll along the shoreline, baskets. These clean-up baskets serve a greater purpose in helping to protect the beach. Visitors are encouraged to help keep the beaches of Hilton Head pristine by getting rid of the trash using these baskets. On the sign, you will see the following:
HELP PROTECT OUR BEACHES
- Take a Basket
- If you see trash along the way, pick it up
- Empty Trash in recepticles
- Return the Basket
So next time you visit Bradley Beach, grab a basket and do your part to keep our beaches clean and beautiful.
Borrow a Toy, Leave a Toy at Driessen Beach Park Hilton Head
As you get to Bradley Beach from Driessen Beach Park, there is a beach toy borrow bin where families can borrow beach toys such as shovels, buckets, frisbees, and more for free. Borrowing a toy is a great option for people who want to avoid bringing their beach toys or for those who may have forgotten them.
In addition, using the borrow bin helps reduce waste by preventing the need for families to purchase and then dispose of plastic beach toys. If you happen to bring a toy, chair, umbrella, or anything else that might be good to share, leave it in the bin and don’t let it go to waste. Not only is the borrow bin a convenient option, but it is also an environmentally-friendly one.
History behind Driessen Beach Park in Hilton Head
Driessen Beach Park is named after Hilton Head Island’s long-serving administrator, William Driessen. In the 1960s, the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association started a campaign to develop a public beach on the island. The association bought the land for the park in the 1970s, and the park officially opened in 1983.
Since then, Driessen Beach Park has experienced several renovations to improve its amenities and facilities. In 2005, it was time for the wooden boardwalk to be rebuilt. Beach matting was also added to make walking across the sand and dunes easier and more accessible to wheelchair users. Adding the mat makes it much easier for visitors to pull carts or any wheeled item to the beach. In addition, pavilions and restrooms were renovated and upgraded in 2018.
A Great Beach Park for Locals and Visitors
Driessen Beach Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists, offering a beautiful beach and a range of amenities for a fun-filled day in the sun. So, pack up your beach gear and enjoy a day at the park with your family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions: Driessen Beach Park Hilton Head
Where can I park at Driessen Beach Park?
Driessen Beach Park has a large parking lot with over 200 "Park and Pay" spaces. Each parking space is numbered and parking meters are located near the building where the restrooms and showers are. Parking fees are inexpensive and can be paid by the hour. Additional parking is available for Hilton Head residents who have a parking pass.
How far is the walk to Bradley Beach at Driessen Beach Park?
As you walk along the 1,000+ feet wooden path, it will take you about 3 - 4 minutes to get from the parking lot to the water's edge. Along the way, you might stop and enjoy the picnic area, playground, restrooms or other amenities that might make your walk a bit longer.
Are there grilling stations at Driessen Beach Park?
Yes, there are multiple grilling stations near the picnic pavilion before you get to the beach.
Is there a basketball court at Driessen Beach Park?
No, there are no basketball courts at Driessen Beach Park, however, if you are ready to shoot some hoops, head over to Chaplin Community Park where there are multiple basketball courts, tennis courts and plenty of open fields for play.
Can I rent beach chairs and umbrellas at Driessen Beach Park?
Beach rentals are provided by the Shore Beach Service and are available at Driessen Beach Park. This service typically starts around the last week of March and ends in October. These dates can change based on the weather conditions. If you do not see the Shore Beach Service on the Beaches of Hilton Head, you can give them a call at (843) 785-3494 to make a reservation or ask any questions about their rental services.
Is Driessen Beach Park dog friendly?
Yes, you can bring your dog to Driessen Beach Park but keep them on the leash and clean up after them. If you are heading to the Beach, this changes a little based on the time of year and also the time of day. For the Beach, the quick answer is, you can bring your dog on the beach anytime after 5 pm and before 10 am. Between the months of October and March, dogs can be on the beach with you on a leash or under voice control. Other times of the year, dogs are not allowed between, 10 am and 5 pm. For a full run down of what you need to know, check out our article, "Does Hilton Head Allow Dogs on the Beach?".
Is parking charged all year round at Driessen Beach Park?
Yes, there is a parking fee at Driessen Beach Park throughout the whole year. Parking is managed by the "Park and Pay" meters located at the main building onsite. Hilton Head Residents with a parking pass can park in the area provided for this purpose and not have to pay the additional fee.
Is Driessen Beach Park a good option for a public beach on Hilton Head Island?
Absolutely! Driessen Beach Park is a very popular public beach on Hilton Head Island. Offering clean and well-maintained facilities, this beach park makes a great option for a day at the beach.
Google Map of Driessen Beach Park